Trucks damaging Saskatchewan highways pay more

Vehicle registration for Saskatchewan farmers operating heavy trucks is set to increase by September 1, 2005. These government insurance fees are being re-balanced to address the damage heavy vehicles cause to highways and they will fluctuate to reflect the damage specific vehicles may cause. The government is also offering a $32 farm trailer registration that requires no insurance or annual renewal. Additionally, those who own commercial trailers pulled by power-units will have the option of purchasing a one-time plate for $100.Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) will implement fees for farm pintles or bumper hitch trailers if the units and their loads exceed 4,600 kg. The government anticipates that an additional $2.5 million a year will be raised through the new fees and, according to SGI minister Maynard Sonntag, this money will go into the province’s general revenue fund for health, education and other programs.